The diary game| A Better Life with Steem (16/01/2022): Attending an Eritrean Wedding

The day started with light rain at 6 am, and this being a Sunday, I thought; "What a blessing?". It was triple excitement because my friend's wedding was also today, couldn't wait to be there with all the food and dancing expected to be at the party. Being a Ugandan, it would be my first time attending an Eritrean wedding and trying out their food and drinks.

For preparations for the day I had to sort my clothes for laundry, clean up around my bedroom take my party outfit to the dry cleaners and get ready for breakfast. I made myself an omelet and banana sandwich and washed it down with a cup of hot millet porridge (or bushera as it's locally known).

After the dry cleaners place, I went for a haircut, I had to be looking fresh and clean for the event. From there, I checked my watch and it was coming to 10 am, I had some time left since the wedding reception was at 1 pm and yet I was done with all the preparations; only waiting to pick my outfit from the dry cleaners at 12 pm.

I decided to catch up with the tv series I was watching, Billions as I waited for my laundry to get ready, two episodes into season 5 of the show, the outfit was delivered from the dry cleaners; a grand smile on my face, the time had finally arrived.

I ordered a SafeBoda (Uber for bike rides) and took a quick shower, dressed up as fast as I could, meanwhile SafeBoda contacted me as I was in the shower lol.... for directions to my place.

I eventually set off at 1:30 pm from my place and arrived at the venue at 2 pm, I was feeling embarrassed thinking I was so late, fortunately, I was told that the newlyweds had gone for a photo shot earlier in the day and may delay there. No worries, I thought, after all, I had dedicated the day to my friend to congratulate him upon the new milestone he had reached. I decided to just take a tour of the hotel thereafter mixing and mingling with the other guests.

While waiting we were served with mese and sewa, both traditional wedding drinks. I was told these are made a month to the D-day by women from both sides of the family. They gather daily to do all the necessary activities together. After a day of cooking, there is usually a lot of singing and dancing while taking Areke, a non-alcoholic traditional Eritrean drink.

A bottle of sewa (millet brew), a traditional Eritrean drink served on the second day of the wedding celebrations, far right is a bottle of mese (honey wine)

After waiting for what seemed like an eternity, the wedding entourage finally arrived at 5 pm, their entrance was marked by lots of dancing and ululations. The entourage was well dressed in their traditional Eritrean wedding attire the bride in a flashy white gown and the groom in a black and white suit. It was a very colorful event. (more in pictorial section)

Since the entourage had been delayed, an announcement for lunch was made, then a prayer led by the priest was said and the bride and groom plus their entourage were invited to start off the lunch session.

Lots of food, all new to my eyes, when our turn to serve reached, I made sure I put only the "strange" foodstuff on my plate. I wanted a taste of everything, I hope I didn't embarrass myself in front of the people queuing behind me, but at that time I was just excited for my friend and had no Fs to give the rest.

After lunch, there were more performances showcasing Eritrean singing and dancing talent. It was close to 7:30 pm that was my cue to hit the road. I went to the stage, saluted the bride and groom, took some pictures with them, and bid my farewell. I ordered another SafeBoda home. I congratulate the newlyweds on their achievement and I wish them a prosperous marriage.

Quick facts about Eritrean weddings

• It is a 2-day event, the first day is for church and reception, the second is a traditional wedding called Melse or Melsi for celebrating traditional customs

Thanks for reading my diary and by extension, celebrating my friend's milestone with me.

Keep on Steeming on!!

Pictorial